The industry, as a whole, has not come to the realization yet that paying peanuts to an experienced driver when that driver has HUGE responsibilities while on the road is what has caused this driver shortage. When I was 19 years old, it was quite simple to become a driver. Today it is a screaming pain in the ass in addition to being over-regulated and costly on the front end. Who in their right mind would ever pick such a profession with the hassles involved for chicken-sh*t pay. If I were 19 today, I would find something else entirely and most of the younger generation feels that way. There's your shortage problem.
The job I mentioned that I took lasted one day. I quickly realized that the pay I would be getting for the job I would be doing was ridiculous and I promptly resigned. I'm worth more than that and will NOT work anywhere unless the pay is right. Yes, I could start at one of Averitt's competitors tomorrow but after 40 years in the LTL industry, it sickens me to even ponder working and doing the same crap I put up with at Averitt. SO, until I find what I want, I'll just take it easy and enjoy life.